Based on Holms referring to him as "one of my favorites" and alluding to breakdowns in protection in the Redskin game, I believe Jimmy Williams will be returning punts for us on Sunday.
That being said, I believe he'll be on a short leash, and the first questionable decision or mistake will land him on the bench. If that happens, who are they going to use instead.
Conventional wisdom says Bobby Engram, since he's got experience doing it. However, given his early season rib injury, do we want him taking those extra hits and risk losing him from the offensive game plan?
Peter Warrick is another obvious choice, but he wasn't even active for the Redskin game, so that may mean his injury is still nagging, he's fallen out of favor, or we need the roster spots for other key players.
I've long felt that Josh Scobey should do double duty, given his aggressive straight-ahead running style. However, I'll admit I don't know what qualifications are needed between a KR and PR, and Scubes hasn't been as sure handed as many would like.
That all being said, I wonder if the Seahawks have tested D.J. Hackett as a PR? He's on the active roster but seldom used, so there's no risk to the base offensive gameplan. He's got great hands and as they say in Bahstin, "he's wicked fast"!
What do you think?
All I want to see this late in the process is someone who can call a fair catch. At this point, a good return for us is anything over five yards without a holding or clipping penalty. We can get that back with a handoff to Mack.
ReplyDeleteThe offense is powerful enough that this can be played extremely conservative - the less risk the better. There is not too many things that can change the outcome of a close game to a greater degree than a fumbled punt return.
For that, Engram will suffice. He is the Seahawks all-time leader in fair catches, which is what we need Sunday. There won't be any rib breakers if he keeps to that.
Unless, of course, he has 40 yards of green in front of him. Then I might suggest running.
Posted by Bluefoot
Mike Sando disagreed with me, but knowing how stubborn Holms is with his pet players, I think we'll see JW field at least one punt. How many chances did he give K-Drop before pulling the plug?
ReplyDeletePosted by alba
By the way, I'd like to meet this "Conventional Wisdom" person whom you are referring to. Mike Sando seems to interview him a lot. He always has the blandest opinions of things, like he's Alan Greenspan's personal advisor or something.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Hackett idea. WHy not? He's GOT to be better than Williams!
ReplyDeleteI kinda like the rush 11 idea from Sando's blog, let the punt fall where it may if they don't get to the kicker.
ReplyDeleteAnother pretty good idea would be to have Steve Smith return them for us... not sure how that could be done in the next couple of days, has the trade deadline passed?
Or have Fox and Holmgren arm wrestle for the rights to Smiths PR services! Big Show may be a bit rotund, but I bet he's still strong.
I vote for Engram if/when Williams gets pulled. If Williams makes one bad move he should be yanked.
Posted by JoSCh
You have something there, alba. Holmgren openly acnowledged his man crush for Jimmy in a press conference after the game, and it eerily reminded me of his relationship with K-drop. I sure hope it doesn't go down that road.
ReplyDeletePosted by Bluefoot
If I'm not mistaken, and I may very well be, Foxie is undefeated in arm wrastlin', so I wouldn't count him out quite yet. If the Seahawks have turnovers on ST, the Panthers will be able to captolize unlike the Redskins.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree that the "cost" of turnovers goes up exponentially as you progress through the playoffs. Home field may help some, but it can't erase a 3-0 TO margin again.
ReplyDeletePosted by alba
Charsouth, I know you don't want to go there, just based on "enormastiscy" Holmgren wins. Why, he's a mountain of a man. Fox, while a great coach, is merely average in size. Amazingly (probably because they generally all are fat-asses and it really doesn't matter for their job) you can't find info or stats relating to their measurables.
ReplyDeleteGruden is the only smaller coach I would fear in the arm wrestling department, and that is pretty much based on fear factor from the facial contortions.
I think Belichick would find a way to cheat, or at least let on that he was injured and induce a surprise attack.
Ed Hochuli could take any of them. Easily.
Posted by JoSCh
Back on topic, those listening to the Holms Press Conference on the PI forum have said that P-Dub will be returning punts, and maybe even Engram.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm just another East Coast hack who knows nothing about the Seahawks!!!
(I wonder who will be deactivated to make room for P-Dub?)
Posted by alba
I'd guess Jimmy Williams. Bab can play his CB spot.
ReplyDeleteOh, and "Back on topic " seemed a little snotty Mr. Alba, this ain't Sando's blog, I do what I want! Ed Hochuli RULES!!!
Posted by JoSCh
hey, it's my topic, and if I'm a little miffed (as opposed to muffed) about it being hijacked by the Mid Atlantic Arm Rassling Association, it's my right to whine about it!
ReplyDeletePosted by alba
I agree with Bluefoot. I am not expecting any great punt returns. Let someone who can call a fair catch then catch the ball play PR. I say Jurevicous he catches everything
ReplyDeletePosted by o-meezy
from "unlucky hooker" to punt returner. sweet!
ReplyDeletePosted by alba